Baba Jamal’s campaign team has welcomed the National Democratic Congress’ decision to retain him as the party’s parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso East by-election, describing the outcome as a confirmation that the earlier primary was free and fair despite allegations of misconduct.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday (11 February) Baba Alhaji, campaign manager for the former deputy minister, said the camp was not surprised by the party’s decision and insisted Jamal won the contest legitimately.
“We won the election fairly,” he said. “Within the voting centres it was peaceful, free, fair and one of the most transparent elections we’ve had in Ayawaso East. So I knew the outcome would be favourable.”
An investigative committee had reportedly cited inappropriate conduct involving all candidates, including allegations of inducement and vote-buying.
But Alhaji argued that such accusations unfairly singled out Jamal, claiming monetisation has become a broader challenge in Ghanaian internal party politics.
“To single out Baba Jamal as the only person who has done these things is not fair,” he said. “Unfortunately, our political system has become monetised. It’s something all of us must address.”
He added that the results showed the election was not determined by the highest spender, noting that other candidates who allegedly distributed more items still lost.
Following earlier calls by some party members for the primary to be annulled, Alhaji said reconciliation efforts would begin immediately, stressing that party unity remains the priority ahead of the by-election.
“The party decision is supreme,” he said. “After filing our nominations, we will form a campaign team that includes all the candidates who contested so that we move forward in unity.”
He described Jamal as a leader who “doesn’t hold grudges” and is ready to work with all factions.
The campaign manager also confirmed that Jamal honoured an invitation from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) as part of ongoing investigations into alleged vote-buying and an incident involving an officer serving legal documents during the primary.
According to Alhaji, Jamal cooperated fully and denied any assault, claiming the situation was mischaracterised.
“He answered their questions,” he said. “Nobody touched the officer. Baba Jamal rather ensured he was escorted out safely.”
Looking ahead, the campaign says it will centre its message on jobs, skills development and local infrastructure.
Among its pledges are plans to turn Nima into a skills and employment hub, construct an ultramodern market with parking facilities, and improve education infrastructure in the constituency.
“We want a Nima all of us will be proud of,” Alhaji said.
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